MOHESR

  SULAIMANI, June 12, 2019 – Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Yousif Goran, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) and the University of Arizona announced Tuesday in a joint press conference the start of a newly-approved dual degree program that will allow students to earn Iraq and Kurdistan’s highest-ranked engineering degrees at AUIS.   Under the new partnership, students can choose to pursue a dual degree with the University of Arizona in civil or mechanical engineering, with instruction by Global Lecturers at AUIS and world-renowned faculty in Arizona. A University of Arizona “micro-campus” will be established at AUIS to offer these ABET-accredited degree programs. Students will be fully enrolled at both institutions and, upon graduation, will receive B.S. in Engineering degrees from both universities.   Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is a top-rated research university ranked 52nd in the world according to the Center for World University Ranking.     “This new dual degree program with the University of Arizona is part of AUIS’s plans to build on a decade of growth and achievement with emphasis on excellence, relevance, and innovation,” said AUIS President Bruce Walker Ferguson. “Students will be able to pursue a U.S. degree in Iraq while enjoying the convenience and low cost of studying close to home. The program also furthers AUIS’s mission to produce knowledgeable and skilled graduates who are sought after by leading national, regional, and global employers.”   Professor Brent White, the University of Arizona’s Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Dean of Global Campuses and International Education, stated, “The University of Arizona has educated some of the world’s best engineers for over a century and will continue to do so with AUIS in Iraq and Kurdistan. Our institution and AUIS are committed partners in quality.”   H.E. Minister Goran stated, “This joint step taken by both universities is a significant contribution to the process of internationalizing the higher education sector in the Kurdistan Region.’’ Speaking about AUIS, he also stated, “Since the beginning of its establishment, this university has advanced towards major ways of offering the best quality education to its students and our country. It is the first university that has attempted to receive international accreditation for its educational programs, and we hope it will carry on and accomplish further success.” The Minister further thanked the University of Arizona for its contribution to this partnership.